- Home » Expat News » British embassy clarifies Bahrain’s new visa policy
British embassy clarifies Bahrain’s new visa policy
| Published: | 17 Feb at 3 PM |
Want to get involved?
Become a Featured Expat and take our interview.
Become a Local Expert and contribute articles.
Get in touch today!
Become a Local Expert and contribute articles.
Get in touch today!
As reported by Trade Arabia, UK citizens in Bahrain have received reassurance from the British Embassy about the country’s new immigration policies that will soon reverse their ability to obtain visas upon arrival.
The Embassy stated that the proposed changes to acquire Bahraini visas were still in their early stages, explaining that the Bahraini Ministry of Interior had promised that any possible changes to securing the visas were still being studied by immigration officials.
A UK Embassy notice said that while there existed an intention to introduce visa applicant requirements prior to arrival, the existing arrangements would still be maintained until further notice. It added that as soon as any specific dates of implementation were announced, citizens would be notified. The notice went on to say that it was “fairly straightforward” to acquire e-visas prior to arrival.
Interior Minister of Bahrain, Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, has said that the changes were being implemented in order to prevent abuses and guarantee equal treatment with nations that enforces strict entry rules for Bahrainis.
Immigrants from the United Kingdom and 26 other EU countries, along with Australia, Japan, the US and Canada, will be among the countries affected. Expatriates of various nationalities earlier criticised the new rules, which were revealed on Monday, arguing they would hurt the tourism industry during a time when the country needed it the most.
The Embassy stated that the proposed changes to acquire Bahraini visas were still in their early stages, explaining that the Bahraini Ministry of Interior had promised that any possible changes to securing the visas were still being studied by immigration officials.
A UK Embassy notice said that while there existed an intention to introduce visa applicant requirements prior to arrival, the existing arrangements would still be maintained until further notice. It added that as soon as any specific dates of implementation were announced, citizens would be notified. The notice went on to say that it was “fairly straightforward” to acquire e-visas prior to arrival.
Interior Minister of Bahrain, Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, has said that the changes were being implemented in order to prevent abuses and guarantee equal treatment with nations that enforces strict entry rules for Bahrainis.
Immigrants from the United Kingdom and 26 other EU countries, along with Australia, Japan, the US and Canada, will be among the countries affected. Expatriates of various nationalities earlier criticised the new rules, which were revealed on Monday, arguing they would hurt the tourism industry during a time when the country needed it the most.
Comments » No published comments just yet for this article...
Feel free to have your say on this item. Go on... be the first!
